City Staff Get Mental Health Training

The City of Vernon is taking steps to prevent mental health issues with its employees.

Spokesperson Tanya Laing Gahr says the city is working with the Canadian Mental Health Association in Vernon to provide sessions that explore topics such as anxiety, stress, burnout, grief and depression.

“We’re really stepping up our occupational health and safety guidelines to make sure we’re taking the whole person into account, so people’s mental health is taken care of as well as their physical health,” Laing Gahr tells Kiss FM.

“The City of Vernon’s ‎partnership with CMHA is all about our employees,” says Raeleen Manjak, Director of Human Resources. “It is about ensuring that they have the tools, tactics and resources to truly thrive.”

Julia Payson, executive director of CMHA Vernon, says one of the most important places to talk about mental health is the workplace.

“CMHA Vernon is thrilled to be partnering with the City of Vernon to build a mentally healthier workplace. Prevention and early intervention can save employers thousands of dollars per employee, so this type of innovative program makes sense for everyone involved.”

Photo: City of Vernon staff learn about the benefits of meditation at a recent employee health and wellness fair.